Announcing the results of the ballot, in which 82 per cent voted for a strike, Chris Keates, General Secretary, said: "Teachers have been faced with a rising tide of excessive workload and a series of attacks on their profession, including unjust pension reforms, worsening pay and conditions of service, and increasing job insecurity.

"Teachers’ conditions of service are inextricably linked to providing the highest standards of education for all pupils.

"The Coalition Government needs now to take seriously the concerns voiced by the teachers today."

Other unions including Unite, which represents workers at West Midlands Police Authority, the British Film Institute, Mersey Tunnels and Greater Manchester Transport, also support action to protest against changes that will mean staff work longer for less.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the Government had responded to the outcry with a "new generous settlement" that was "beyond the dreams of most private employees."

He added: "I urge the trade unions to devote their energy to reaching agreement and not to unnecessary and damaging strike action, which is often on the basis of low turnout."